2013 GMC Acadia Body Style Changes and more

We have our first 2013 GMC Acadia, it just arrived today.  Stop by to check it out.

For the latest incarnation of this three-row crossover, the softly rounded nose and recessed grille of the outgoing model have been replaced by a comparatively upright three-slot affair with sharper creases. Standard diffused LED running lamps make their first Acadia appearance and are paired with both the standard projector-beam and optional HID headlamps. Aft, a new taillight treatment echoes the look of the front lamps.

Power in all Acadias comes from the same 3.6-liter V-6 used in the 2012 model, all 288 of its horsepower now routed through a “next-generation” six-speed automatic said to have better shift response and improved drivability. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive remains an option. Mileage remains unchanged at 17 city mpg and 24 highway for front-drivers or 16/23 when equipped with AWD.

As seems to be the trend these days, the Acadia’s interior now employs so-called “upgraded soft-touch materials”—this was easily the most needed improvement on the otherwise-competent and comfortable crossover. The upgrade is complemented by ambient red lighting on the dashboard and a standard rearview camera. High-zoot SLT models get aluminum accents on the center console, doors, and dash.

Speaking of high-zoot, the Denali edition returns for 2013 with many of the same premium features as before: 20-inch wheels, chrome accents, a power rear liftgate, heated and cooled front seats, and a special “acoustic package” designed to keep road noise to a minimum.

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Video to Explain Warranty Forever

 Here is a great video that describes our Exclusive Warranty Forever!  http://pinterest.com/pin/561120434792312644/

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Borla Exhaust for your GMC Trucks or Buick Regal Turbo

We are an authorized Borla Exhaust dealer!

From Borla:
BORLA PERFORMANCE INDUSTRIES is the pioneer and leader in the design and manufacture of stainless steel performance exhaust. We began three decades ago as a manufacturer of exhaust systems for such "concours classics" as Rolls-Royce and Ferrari cars and have evolved into the premier manufacturer of today's performance vehicles for the street, off-road, and racing.

BORLA is committed to providing world-class exhaust products which surpass the expectations of our customers. To that end, our facility is complete with a state-of-the art test and development center where we are continually improving our manufacturing efficiency and standards. We have pioneered a variety of improvements in the design of performance exhaust systems. Alex Borla currently holds several US patents for innovative exhaust system technology, and the company has won numerous "Best New Product" awards in the industry. Every BORLA Cat-Back™ system, Header and Rear Section is made from austenitic stainless steel (superior to 409 or aluminized steel) employing mandrel-bent tubing, all-welded construction, and is designed for accurate fit and easy installation. Over 30 years experience and special merge collector technology provide the ultimate in power and endurance.

The performance advantages of a BORLA are widely recognized. The top engine builders in the racing world rely on BORLA exhaust for maximum performance. In fact, BORLA is at the forefront of the movement toward responsible racing with our full line of patented, award and race-winning racing mufflers that not only maintain a race engine's power, but in some instances actually add power. This technology is incorporated into BORLA exhaust for the street, providing 7-10% increased horsepower and torque when you plant your foot, and improved gas mileage at cruising speeds.

For even more info visit their website at:  http://www.borla.com/about/

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Acadia Crossover has Lowest Ownership Cost

Owners of the new 2012 GMC Acadia crossover vehicle can be assured that their selection of GMC’s full-size crossover will cost them less to own over time than competitor models.
ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data, awarded Acadia the 2012 Residual Value Award today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The award indicates that after three years of ownership, Acadia will be worth a higher percentage of its original sales price than any vehicle in its segment, including Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer.
Resale value is widely regarded as one of the most important vehicle purchase considerations because it can literally save consumers thousands of dollars over the life of the vehicle.
“Acadia stands out from the competition by combining features that you would expect from a luxury brand with rugged styling, a roomy interior and a fuel-efficient V6 engine,” said Raj Sundaram, ALG spokesman. “These attributes were major factors in helping it claim the top spot in the full-size utility vehicle segment.”

Acadia and its stable mate, the 2012 GMC Terrain smaller SUV, also earned Consumers Digest “Best Buy” awards in their respective segments.

With innovative technologies like IntelliLink infotainment coming to Terrain later in 2012 and GM’s innovative front center air bag debuting as standard equipment on Acadia in 2013, both vehicles are well-positioned to continue attracting consumers to GMC. As of October, one of every two Acadia and Terrain buyers this year was coming from a non-GM brand.

“These accolades from ALG and Consumers Digest verify what many of our customers already know – that GMC’s Professional Grade vehicles continue to deliver great value,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Buick GMC Sales and Service.

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Save money on Gas at the Gas Pump

Ask whether the gas you buy is filtered at the pump and if the station has a policy about changing the pump filters regularly. If you get a song and dance, find another gas station. Some stations don’t have pump filters, making you more vulnerable to dirty gasoline. Other stations may not mix alcohol and fuel properly — or worse, water down their product. Find a station you trust and stick to it.

Don’t fill up if you see the tanker
If you happen to see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station, come back another day or go to a different station. As the station’s underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your gas can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs.

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A little bit about Duramax Engines

The Duramax is a General Motors diesel engine.  This engine was initially installed in 2001 models of GMC trucks and has been an option since then in pickups, vans and medium duty trucks.  In 2006, production was limited to approximately 200,000 engines per year.  On May 9, 2007, DMAX corp announced the production of the 1,000,000th Duramax Diesel engine!

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Fall Car Care Tips

Sure it’s not winter yet, but car-care experts advise consumers should use these final fair-weather days to get cars ready for what lies ahead.

AC Delco, a global replacement parts and vehicle service provider, offers up the "four B’s" of fall car care: blades, batteries, brakes and belts/hoses. Mopar, Chrysler’s service, parts and customer-care brand, adds to that list, suggesting attention also be paid to tires, shocks and struts, oil, fluid levels, air filters and headlamps and tail lamps.
Regular maintenance is the best preventative for winter breakdowns, but here's a closer look at the areas experts call out for extra attention:

• Blades – If you’ve ever tried to scrape frost from your windshield by dousing it with washer fluid and running the wipers excessively, you know worn wipers can't clear your view. Driving through a snowstorm with frosty buildup eroding your visibility is a horrible feeling. Avoid it by replacing your wiper blades before the weather becomes nasty.
• Battery – Mopar advises the extreme heat of the summer months can reduce battery life, resulting in batteries that then fail in high-demand winter months. AC Delco tells consumers to watch for corrosion on cables and posts and seek help from a professional if these contact points require cleaning.
• Brakes – Before winter has you sliding your way through intersections, have your brakes checked and replace the pads as needed.
• Belts and hoses – These will leave you stranded if they snap or leak. Look for thinning or cracking in belts and check all hoses for imperfections, too.
• Tires – Changing temperatures can alter tire pressure. Make sure all tires are filled to their recommended tire pressure. Also check for tread wear. Tires play a huge role in how well your car handles in sloppy winter driving conditions.
• Shocks and Struts – Mopar says shocks and struts are the most overlooked parts on a car but argue that this should not be the case. While not a factor in most winter-driving calamities, shocks and struts do improve vehicle handling, extend tire life and improve ride control and comfort for the driver.
• Oil and other fluids – Top off all fluids that have run low. Windshield washer fluid is used frequently in winter driving, so keep a gallon in your trunk to ensure you will always have a clear view of the road. Check the oil, and change it if the time is right.
• Air filters – Mopar includes these on their fall inspection list. A dirty air filter is not generally going to cause your car to break down, but while you’re checking everything else, have it inspected too.
• Headlamps and tail lamps – So you’ve completed a complete prewinter inspection of your car, but the guy behind you probably didn’t. Check your lights to make sure you are as visible as possible to other drivers.

This may seem like a lot, but many items on this list can be handled quickly and easily. If inspecting your ride is not your cup of hot cocoa, watch for dealerships and other shops to offer deals on fall car care in the weeks ahead. Once your car is prepared, you will be a more confident driver. Too bad there isn’t a list on how to prepare ourselves for winter’s wretched wickedness.

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Tips For Car Battery Care

More automobile batteries fail in the heat than in the extreme cold, and hot-weather conditions can cause more stress on a battery than frigid temperatures. With temperatures at their annual highs, motorists can protect and care for that part of the vehicle a driver depends on most every day.
Batterytemperatures under the hood of an automobile can reach 175 to 200 degrees in extreme conditions, affecting the corrosion factor within the battery. The extreme heat can make the acid and the fluid inside the battery expand, which can cause it to start leaking, and that leads to battery failure in the long run. It’s important for motorists to take the necessary precaution of getting their vehicle battery checked on a regular basis, especially before taking off on family trips.

Here are some helpful guidelines to follow when caring for the automobile battery:

1. Wear protective eyewear, remove all jewelry and wear long sleeves to protect skin from a battery acid explosion.
2. Inspect the battery case for signs of extreme bulging, cracking or leaking. If signs are present, it’s time to replace the case.
3. Clean the connections by removing any corrosion, lead oxidation, paint or rust from the top of the battery with a scouring pad or brass brush. Make sure to brush the corrosion away from the body.
4. If the battery has removable filler caps, open the caps and check the water level in each cell.
5. Make sure the plates are at least half covered. This prevents sulfation and reduces the possibility of an internal battery explosion.
6. If the water level is low, add distilled water (avoid tap water) until the plates are covered.
7. Avoid overfilling, especially in hot weather, because the heat can cause the solution inside to expand and overflow.
8. Have the battery and electrical system professionally tested every three to six months, especially before heading out on a trip.

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What is Luxury?

LUXURY-  The state of great comfort and extravagant living.

The concept of luxury has been present in various forms since the beginning of civilization. Its role was just as important in ancient western and eastern empires as it is in modern societies.

One look at the 2012 Buick Regal, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 2012 Buick Enclave, or 2012 Buick Verano and you'll realize: this is the new side of luxury. The 2012 Regal is a premium luxury sedan that throws expectations a curve with its sporty performance and style. A standout from other luxury sedans, the 2012 Buick LaCrosse offers one of the most advanced AWD systems on the road today. The 2012 Enclave crossover SUV features luxury and comfort. While the 2012 Buick Verano has unexpected luxury and technology such as Buick IntelliLink. Whatever you're looking for, the newest lineup of Buick luxury cars is a step above the rest.

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Detail Guidelines / Order

Have you been looking for some guidelines on what order to detail your car or suv?  We prefer this detail order:

• Interior  including inside windows (start inside while you are still dry and clean yourself!)

    Trunk (or luggage compartment for wagons/SUV's)

    Engine compartment (be sure to rinse off the paint nearby afterwards!)

    Body wash

    Wheels/Tires (dress out tires at this time too)

    Polish and wax the body

    Detail exterior parts like rubber trim, black plastic, headlights/taillights and chrome

    Exterior windows     Where to put the undercarriage in the above list?  I would either do it first or last, and on a different day!  The undercarriage is an entire project of it's own and can blow your energy and mood depending on how nice it was to start.  Of course not every car will need or get undercarriage attention.

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Shaq fits in a Buick LaCrosse?

Now we could easily see how Shaq would feel comfortable inside the LaCrosse given the low slung dash, airy greenhouse and soothing waterfall style center console design. We think that Buick picked just the right person to bring attention to the LaCrosse’s style, efficiency and most importantly—its interior space and elegance. Although we do admit when Shaq stands next to the LaCrosse in the ad he made it look like the Verano which is the smallest car Buick sells. But then, pretty much everything looks tiny next to Shaquille O’Neal.

Although the 2012 Buick LaCrosse is also available with a 3.6 liter V6, those who have to pay for their own gas may prefer the e-Assist system which is a mild hybrid mated to a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder Ecotec engine. This all helps this still very luxurious and incredibly roomy sedan return impressive EPA fuel economy estimates of 25 city/36 highway.

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Peyton Manning at Becker Buick GMC?

Well, not really.  We do have a lifesize cardboard version of Peyton Manning in our showroom, everyone is having fun getting their picture taken with him.  Have you seen the Buick commercials yet?

NFL quarterback Peyton Manning will star in a new television spot for the Buick Verano compact luxury sedan.

In addition to promoting the Verano, which is Buick’s first compact car in many years, the ad is part of a long-term strategy to give Buick — once a brand for senior citizens — a more youthful image.
In the spot, which debuts tonight during the ESPY awards on ESPN, Manning uses his play-calling skills to operate the car’s voice-activated controls and turn-by-turn navigation system.

“It’s definitely easier to call audibles in the Verano as opposed to the line of scrimmage,” Manning said. “After I call audibles in the Verano, I don’t get hit in the back.”

With this 30-second ad, Manning joins a lineup that includes model Marisa Miller, actor Ving Rhames, and basketball star Shaquille O’Neal in a series of Buick commercials. The spots use each celebrity’s lifestyle to highlight its vehicles’ features.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2URz_fApsC0

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All new 2013 Denali Terrain by GMC

This was an article recently posted by Autoblog.com about the all new 2013 GMC Terrain Denali.

GMC has a hit on its hands with the Denali trim, but for some reason the brand's most popular crossover still hasn't donned the signature chrome grille. That will change for the 2013 model year with the introduction of the 2013 Terrain Denali.

The freshly minted Terrain Denali will of course feature a chrome front grille, 19-inch wheels (V6 model only), satin chrome accents, body color rocker panels and front and rear fascias, new headlight and taillights and a dual exhaust. The top Terrain will also receive a high-end interior, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood accents, a soft-touch instrument panel with French stitching, Denali-embossed leather seats and illuminated Denali sill plates.

The biggest news for the Denali is the introduction of a more powerful 3.6-liter V6, which will replace the 3.0-liter V6 across the Terrain lineup. The larger V6 will output 301 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque, or 37 hp and 50 lb-ft more than the 3.0-liter. And if you're thinking fuel economy will suffer as a result, think again. The added power will result in the same fuel economy as the torque-deficient 3.0-liter, with 24 miles power gallon on the highway and 17 mpg in the city.

Fuel-thrifty buyers can purchase the Terrain Denali with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which outputs 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque and boasts 32 mpg on the highway. The four-cylinder-equipped Denali will feature slightly smaller 18-inch wheels. All-wheel drive will also be available with both engines.

The Terrain Denali will feature a cadre of top tech amenities too, including IntelliLink, Bluetooth, Pandora and Stitcher integration and iPod controls with Gracenote tech. This Denali also utilizes advanced safety features including lane departure and forward collision warnings and blind spot radar tech to look for vehicles the driver may not see.


http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/gmc-reveals-2013-terrain-denali-with-301-horsepower-v6/

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Does Your Car Make the Grade?

As the end of summer nears, students are getting ready to head back to school. Whether it’s driving to college or carpooling with other neighborhood families, a properly maintained car is the safest, most dependable way to go.

“When your passengers are your children and their classmates, making sure your car gets more than a passing grade is extra important,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “A preventive maintenance check-up and having any repairs performed will give parents peace of mind as their children travel to and from school.”

To make sure your car gets high marks for safety and dependability, the Car Care Council recommends a 21st century tune-up be performed to make sure the following systems are in proper working order: battery, charging and starting; engine mechanical; power train control; fuel; ignition; and emissions.

In addition, the following items should be in peak condition for car pool season: tires and tire pressure; brakes; hoses and belts; air filters; wipers; exterior and interior lighting; and fluid levels, including engine oil, power steering, transmission, brake, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

The Car Care Council also suggests that all vehicles have a roadside emergency kit on-hand that includes items such as flares, a first aid kit, a tire-changing jack, a tire pressure gauge, jumper cables and a blanket. In addition, important telephone numbers should be stored in the glove box or cell phone in case of a breakdown or emergency.

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How to Safely Jump-Start a Vehicle

How to Safely Jump-Start a Vehicle

Although you should familiarize yourself with the steps outlined in your owner's manual, here are some standard rules.

• Do not smoke, create a spark or light a match near a battery.
• Check the battery voltage. Most new cars have a 12-volt battery. Never try to jump an older car with a 6-volt battery by using a 12-volt battery. The battery could explode.
• Make sure the vehicles aren't touching.
• Check the charge indicator dot or hydrometer. Its color changes depending on the state of the battery charge. Green means fully charged. Brown or black means the charge is lost. Yellow means that the battery is bad and needs to be replaced.
• Make sure the battery terminals, positive and negative, are clean and free of corrosion. You can clean them with baking soda and water. (In an emergency, Coke works.)
• Don't let the cables touch each other.
• First connect both the positive (red) cables to the plus (+) terminals.
• Then connect both negative (black) cables to the negative (-) terminals. Do not make the final jumper connection to the low or dead battery itself. It could produce a spark.
• Turn on the engine in the vehicle with the good battery and let it idle for a few minutes.
• Turn on your headlights before starting your car. This absorbs voltage spikes that can cause damage to your vehicle's computer.
• Turn on the vehicle with the low battery. As soon as it starts, remove the cables.
• Once it's jumped, drive the vehicle for at least 30 minutes to recharge the battery. Depending on the condition of the battery, additional time may be required.

What's the Difference Between a 4 and 6 Cylinder Engine?

In a four-stroke engine, a series of movements causes fuel to be converted into forward motion.  All else being equal, the difference between a 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engine is that the latter produces more power.  This is due to the two extra cylinders that create additional piston thrust.

In a basic engine design, pistons travel down cylinder sleeves or chambers, allowing intake valves to open.  Intake valves let fuel and air enter the cylinders, while rising pistons compress these gasses.  Spark plugs ignite the compressed gas, causing explosions that drive the pistons back down.  The next rise of the pistons coincides with exhaust valves opening to clear the chambers.  The timing piston is staggered so that one pair rises while another falls.  Pistons are connected to rocker arms, which turn a crankshaft;  the crankshaft turns the wheels, thereby converting fuel into motion.

In a 4-cylinder engine, there are four pistons rising and falling in four chambers.  A 6-cylinder engine features six pistons and produces a theoretical 50% more power than the same 4-cylinder engine.  While a 4-cylinder engine might hesitate when you press on the gas, a 6 cylinder will tend to be more responsive, with greater get-up-and-go.  The 4-cylinder engine is standard in smaller cars, as the relatively light weight of the vehicle makes it an economical choice with plenty of power for average motoring needs.  Many models include a 6-cylinder engine upgrade option.

All new Buick SUV - Encore for 2013!

You might not expect a 5-passenger crossover to be as finely crafted as a Swiss watch, as tech-savvy as your dream entertainment center and agile enough to maneuver through any narrow city street. But from now on you will. Introducing Encore. The luxury crossover with premium materials, ingenious design, flexible storage and purposeful technology. It’s like we knew exactly what you were missing in a crossover, and created the versatile Encore for you.

Inside and out Encore’s technology will do everything for you from give you peace and quiet to peace of mind. Your entertainment and navigation choices are simple, purposeful and empowering—the way personal luxury should be. Here are some of the highlights.

Designing a luxury crossover with you in mind means we started with safety. And Encore takes safety to a whole new level with 10 air bags standard⁵ and available features such as Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and All-Wheel Drive. These technologies combined with great Buick standards like StabiliTrak and OnStar, gives Encore a comprehensive safety story.

Encore comes with 10 standard air bags⁵ including:
    ·  2 frontal
    ·  2 head curtain side air bags that also deploy
       in a rollover
    ·  4 seat mounted side-impact air bags
    ·  2 knee air bags

StabiliTrak and full-time traction control systems constantly monitor and adapt to road conditions as they change, helping add to Encore’s stability and provide the driver with added control.

To add to its extensive standard safety features, Encore offers Forward Collision Alert. It’s a camera based technology that detects a possible collision threat and alerts the driver to take action.

Encore is always looking out for you. Especially when it comes to changing lanes. With Lane Departure Warning, Encore issues both visual and audible warnings when the driver begins to drift out of their lane.

Encore’s comprehensive safety package includes a 6-month trial subscription to the OnStar⁶ Directions & Connections Plan, standard. The plan includes: Automatic Crash Response, Turn-by-turn Navigation, Roadside Assistance, Emergency Services Link and even Remote Door Unlock because we’ve all been there.

Check your engine oil!

Check engine oil at every other fill-up
For an accurate reading, follow this procedure:

• Run or drive your car for about 15 minutes to warm the oil; then park the car in a level place.Turn off the engine and wait 15 minutes to allow the oil in the engine to drain back to the oil pan.
• Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a paper towel or rag. Reinsert the dipstick, being sure to push it in all the way, then pull it out again to check the oil level. It should be somewhere between the hash marks on the dipstick.
• Add the type and amount of oil as specified in your owner’s manual, if necessary.

Hang on to your Hubcaps!

Clang, clang, clang! There goes your hubcap,rolling off to destination unknown. Hubcaps, wheel covers, and center caps can pop off your car’s wheels as you’re driving if they were not reinstalled correctly, have loosened over time, or if they were damaged by being jammed against a curb while parking. Here are some things you can do to keep these expensive parts on the car:

• If your older metal hubcap has loosened, remove it and pry the metal clips outward slightly. This should fix the problem.
• Newer plastic-type hubcaps and some wheel covers are usually held in place by a retaining wire ring that snaps into tabs on the wheel. When installing such a cap or cover, take care that you do not bend or break the tabs.
• One way to make sure your expensive hubcaps aren’t damaged by a repair shop is to remove them yourself before taking your car in for a repair that requires wheel removal, such as a brake job or new tires. When reinstalling hubcaps, rest the hubcap in place and then tap it gently with a rubber mallet. Don’t hit the hubcap hard, or you might break the clips underneath. If you prefer to have your repair person remove the covers, check to make sure they were reinstalled properly. They should look even and flush.

About the 2013 Verano with Turbo!

The 2013 Buick Verano Turbo goes on sale this fall and General Motors has just announced that the boosted sedan will be priced from $29,990 (*including $885 for destination).

That base price gets you niceties like IntelliLink, a Bose audio system, heated leather seats, and a whole host of safety features including a rearview camera, blind spot alert and cross-traffic alert. A six-speed manual transmission is available as a no-cost option (hurrah!), and the only other available upgrades are a sunroof and navigation.

For comparison's sake, a similarly equipped Verano with the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine costs $26,850, including destination.

Under the hood of the Verano Turbo is GM's 2.0-liter forced-induction four that we've sampled in the larger Regal, good for 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The EPA just recently released fuel economy figures for the Verano Turbo, and the baby Buick is estimated to achieve 20/31 miles per gallon (city/highway).

PRESS RELEASE FROM GM:
DETROIT – The 2013 Buick Verano Turbo luxury sedan will be priced at $29,990, including a destination charge of $885. The turbocharged Verano uses an Ecotec 2.0L four-cylinder engine with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing to produce an SAE-certified 250 horsepower (187 kW) at 5300 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque at 2000 rpm.

When the Verano Turbo arrives at dealerships this fall, buyers will get both performance and fuel efficiency with 0-60 mph acceleration in an estimated 6.2 seconds and EPA-estimated 20/31 mpg ratings with a six-speed manual transmission available as a no-cost option. Fuel economy ratings for the standard six-speed automatic will be announced closer to production.

Verano Turbo will offer more power and better fuel efficiency than the competition. A 2012 Lexus IS250 is rated at 204 horsepower, with fuel efficiency estimates of 19/28 mpg with a manual transmission.

In addition to its 2.0L engine, dual exhaust, sport pedals and rear spoiler, standard equipment for the Verano Turbo includes IntelliLink connectivity, a Bose 9-speaker audio system, leather-appointed upholstery, push-button start, rear park assist and rearview camera, radar-based side blind zone alert and rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. A power sunroof and navigation are optional.

"Buick Verano continues to build momentum in the marketplace with eight straight months of sales increases since launch," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick marketing. "The new Verano Turbo increases the performance of an already capable luxury sedan while continuing to offer customers the smart, purposeful technology they expect."

Verano sales began in late November, 2011 with a 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission and standard voice-activated IntelliLink. For 2013, a rearview camera is standard across all Verano models.

With the arrival of this new model, Buick will offer three different models with turbocharged engines and optional six-speed manual transmissions, including the Regal Turbo and Regal GS luxury sport sedans. The 2013 Buick Encore luxury crossover, on sale early next year, will feature a standard turbocharged engine.

Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan, Regal sport sedan, Buick Verano sedan and the all-new 2013 Encore crossover. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick or at www.facebook.com/buick.

How to Preserve your Car for Long-Term Storage

If you are not going to use your car for more than a month, store it properly to prevent unnecessary damage and repairs upon your return.

• Fill the gas tank to help prevent condensation from accumulating in the gas tank. Add a fuel stabilizer and drive the car around a bit to distribute the additive to engine parts.
• Wash and wax the car thoroughly to protect the finish.
• Place a vapor barrier on your garage floor. A 4-mil polyethylene drop cloth will do.
• Disengage the parking brake to help avoid brake corrosion.
• Put the car on jack stands to take the weight of the vehicle off the wheels and tires.
• Disconnect and remove the battery to keep it from draining. Place the battery on a trickletype charger. Or periodically drain the battery, using a small light bulb, and then recharge it with a low-volt charger.
• Plug the tailpipe with a rag to prevent moist air from infiltrating into it.

Texting While Driving AKA Distracted Driving

Take out your wireless device. Read the last text message you sent or received aloud. Would reading or responding to that text message from behind the wheel be worth the risk of getting into a car accident or worse? The reality is that no message is so urgent that it is worth diverting attention from the wheel and risking lives in the process.

From the FCC:

Distracted Driving is Dangerous

The popularity of mobile devices has had some unintended and even dangerous consequences. We now know that mobile communications are linked to a significant increase in distracted driving, resulting in injury and loss of life. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in 2008 that driver distraction was the cause of 16 percent of all fatal crashes -- 5,800 people killed -- and 21 percent of crashes resulting in an injury -- 515,000 people wounded. According to the American Automobile Association, nearly 50 percent of teens admit to texting while driving. Distracted driving endangers life and property and the current levels of injury and loss are unacceptable.
To stem this problem, the FCC is working with industry, safety organizations, and other government agencies, to inform and educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving and is seeking to identify and facilitate the development of innovative technologies that could reduce the incidence of distracted driving. To help in this effort and share information, we created a dedicated website.

Drive With Care Everyday

Drive with care everyday

Being car considerate shouldn’t stop after the break-in. Drive with care every day and your car will reward you with longer intervals without repair.

• Do not race your car’s engine during start-up.This is a quick way to add years of wear to your engine, especially if it’s cold outside.
• Accelerate slowly when you begin your drive.The most wear to the engine and drive train occurs in the first ten to twenty minutes of operation.
• Warming the engine by letting it idle in the driveway is not a smart idea.The engine doesn’t operate at its peak temperature, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion, soot deposits on cylinder walls, oil contamination, and ultimately damaged components.
• Put less strain on your engine and automatic transmission by shifting to neutral at red lights. Otherwise, the engine is still working to push the car even while it’s stopped.
• Avoid driving at high speeds and accelerating quickly, especially when it’s very hot or very cold outside. Such driving behavior will result in more frequent repairs.
• Extend the life of your tires with careful driving. Observe posted speed limits. Avoid fast starts, stops, and turns. Avoid potholes and objects on the road. Don’t run over curbs or hit the tire against the curb when parking. And, of course, don’t burn rubber.
• When turning your steering wheel, don’t hold it in an extreme right or left position for more than a few seconds. Doing so can damage the power-steering pump.
• Consolidate your short driving trips. Most of the wear and tear — as well as the pollution your car generates — takes place in the first few minutes of driving. Doing several errands at once, during low traffic hours if possible, will keep your engine happier longer.

Extreme Summer Heat Can Burn Up Car Batteries

Summer’s extreme temperatures can destroy a vehicle’s battery. The Car Care Council advises vehicle owners to have their cars’ batteries tested periodically and replaced, if necessary, to avoid being stranded.

Excessive heat and overcharging shortens the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.

A few simple steps now can help you avoid the cost and inconvenience of a breakdown later.

To get the most life out of a battery, the Car Care Council suggests the following:

• Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.

• If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.

• Always replace a battery with one that’s rated at least as high as the one originally specified.

• Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil – What’s The Difference?

There’s a battle being waged in the automotive world. No, it’s not the battle of one automaker versus another. It’s the war being fought between synthetic engine oil and conventional oil. Chances are good that you have heard proponents from both sides touting their preferred product. Which is right for your car, though? Here’s a bit of information to help you understand the differences between these products.

Conventional Oil
Conventional oil is exactly what it sounds like – this is a petroleum-based product, and is what most people think of when they hear the words “engine oil”. Most of automotive oil on the market today is conventional.

You’ll find a few pros with conventional oil. First, it’s more affordable than synthetic oil. Second, it’s more readily available if you need to add a quart on the fly (not all gas stations or other retailers carry synthetic oil). Finally, conventional oil is recommended by the manufacturer for more vehicles (older vehicles mostly) than synthetic oil.

Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil is a relative newcomer to the automotive world, though it’s been widely available for many years now. Still, some confusion persists about this type of oil. Here are a few good points to remember. First, synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional oil (usually twice as long, but sometimes longer). Second, synthetic oil created in a lab, rather than being a derivative of petroleum (that makes it greener than conventional oil). Finally, synthetic oil can also clean deposits in your engine, offering better performance in some cases. Of course, synthetic oil is more expensive than its conventional counterpart.

A Common Misconception
Perhaps the most common is that “if you use synthetic, you cannot switch back to conventional oil.” That’s not true at all. You can go from synthetic to conventional and back again as much as you want. You can even mix the two together if you like (there are synthetic/conventional blends available right on the shelf at your dealership).
In the end, the choice between conventional and synthetic oil really comes down to you, your personal preferences and how much you want to spend on an oil change.

Why should I rotate my tires?

Did you know with every oil change done here at Becker we will rotate your tires?

When it comes to the various components that make up your car, it can be easy to overlook your tires. After all, you have oil changes to remember, antifreeze to check, air filters to change, and more. However, you can’t afford to neglect your tires – they require maintenance as well. The most important thing to maintaining your tires (other than proper air pressure) is to remember to rotate them on a regular basis. Ideally, you should do this every 6,000 miles or so, but you can also incorporate it into your standard oil change service if you prefer.

Why do you need to rotate your tires? Whether you opt for touring or performance tires, general use or specialty, they represent an investment. Without proper rotation, you’ll find that your tires just don’t last as long as they should. What happens if you don’t rotate your tires?
Uneven Wear: Whether you have a front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, you will find that you experience uneven tire wear. Essentially, the “drive” tires (those responsible for propelling the vehicle) will wear faster than the other two. So, in a front-wheel drive car, the front tires will wear faster than the rear tires. Rotation helps maintain even tire wear and keeps you from shelling out for new tires sooner than you should.

Feathering/Scalloping: Another problem found with not rotating your tires is feathering or scalloping. This is basically uneven wear patterns on the tire’s tread that can result in a rough ride and premature tire failure. Other factors can also contribute to feathering or scalloping (if your car is out of alignment, for example), but a lack of tire rotation is the usual culprit.

As you can see, if you don’t rotate your tires on a regular basis, you’ll end up spending far more than you should. In addition to rotating them, you should also have your tires balanced regularly. While you don’t have to balance them during rotations, it’s the best time to do so since the wheels are already off the vehicle. Make sure that the shop you use has a speed balancer, and have the balance checked at least every other tire rotation for the best results.

Keeping your tires balanced will also help make your ride more comfortable and plays a role in tire longevity, as well. This is also the best time to spot other problems, such as brake wear, alignment problems, shock/strut leakage and more.

Simple Ways to Boost Gas Mileage

Gas prices are rising once more. All around the country, people are finding their trip to the fuel pump to be a shocking experience. When it costs as much to fill up the fuel tank on your SUV as to feed your family for a week, it’s time figure out some fuel saving techniques. Actually, there are several ways that you can make sure that you get the best possible gas mileage.

Tire Pressure

Another cause of poor fuel economy is low tire pressure. The lower your tire pressure is, the softer your tires are and the harder your car’s engine has to work to turn them. However, you don’t want to over inflate them either, as that leads to premature tire failure. Make sure you set your tire pressure to your automaker’s specifications (found on the driver side door placard).

Don’t Idle

One of the biggest wastes of gas is idling your engine. If you are going to get out of the car for more than 60 seconds, cut the engine off. Unless it is very cold, don’t warm your engine up for more than two minutes or so. Remember, your car is still burning gas when you idle, but it’s just being wasted. Don’t sit idle – turn off the engine.

Keep Driving

Another way to boost your gas mileage is to do all of your running around and errands at one time. If you’ll be going several places during the week, try to get them all done at one time. Shorter trips can often cost as much gas as longer ones, so combine as many as possible.

Consider Your Braking

To start boosting your gas mileage, you should also consider the way that you brake. If you are one of those people who stomps the brake pedal at the red light, stop. You should begin braking well before you need to stop. The same rule applies to driving in traffic – avoid speeding up and then slamming on your brakes, as you are only wasting gas.

What's a Little Guy?

While teardrop camper trailers have been around more than half a Century, the vast majority of the general public remains unaware of the concept.  In 2002, Little Guy burst onto the teardrop scene and has championed this unique trailer ever since.  Whether camping, traveling, or spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, or just enjoying nature, a teardrop trailer is the ideal size for the everyday man (or woman).

Manufactured in Sugarcreek, Ohio by skilled Amish craftsmen, each trailer is constructed with the highest quality of materials on the market.  Little Guy has the largest distribution network of any manufacturer of teardrop camper trailers in the world, with dealers located in over 30 US states and international dealers spread throughout Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Europe. We are constantly expanding our worldwide distribution network, bringing Little Guy Teardrop Camper Trailers to the masses.

Every trailer has an alufiber roof with either fiberglass (Little Guy) or aluminum (Silver Shadow) sidewalls.  In addition, both feature a set of double locking entry doors with slider window and screens that provide safety as well as privacy.
On a Little Guy, alloy mag wheels are paired with aluminum fenders giving the trailer a crisp, sporty presentation.  Meanwhile the classic Silver Shadow, black steel wheels with baby moon hubcaps are complemented by ½ circle or retro teardrop fiberglass fenders with black( or optional white) wall tires.

The interior of a Little Guy features white cabinetry & headliner with carpeted walls & linoleum flooring. In addition, every trailer has lights, a large roof vent, and a custom tri-fold mattress.  The retro Silver Shadow, on the other hand, offers all of the same amenities but also features 12v-110 power standard, 100% birch wood interior and a full sized galley all set to serve as your kitchenette.
Every teardrop trailer comes with a front mounted metal screen cargo area or rectangular platform, making it ideal for a cooler, a portable ac/heat unit, gas generator or a even a couple of bicycles.
Every Little Guy has a wide range of options and accessories for just about any outdoor enthusiast’s needs.  From the power package, which allows you to have full power features whether you are camping at a park with electrical hook up or out in the remote wilderness, to  A/C and Heat to TV-DVD-Radios to tailgating set ups featuring a rear-mounted grill to camouflaged trailers to window shades to our custom side mount tent -- Little Guy has everything that you can possibly imagine related to teardrop camping.  Little Guy Teardrop Camper Trailers are easy to tow with virtually any vehicle and most importantly, they are practical, attractive, economical, affordable, and a whole lot of fun!
Discover the excitement of owning a Little Guy Teardrop Camper Trailer. See what it is like to really enjoy spending time with family and friends, without worrying about the high fuel prices or repair work and maintenance that are involved in driving a motor home or towing an RV.

Oil. Why does it matter?

When it comes to routine maintenance, changing your oil is one of the more inexpensive services. Despite its relatively low cost, oil plays a vital, multifaceted role in your engine, and spending a little money on routine oil changes can help prevent you from forking over large sums of cash down the road.

Engine oil provides key functions in a modern internal combustion engine. It helps keep engine components working smoothly together.

It's typically a lubricant to keep the moving parts separated by an oil film.

The inside of an engine — a place where there are thousands of controlled detonations happening every minute — can be a hot place, and oil helps draw heat away from the combustion chamber. Lastly, it helps prevent carbon and varnishes from accumulating in the engine.

What if I Don't Change My Oil?

If you're reading this article, you're probably not one to skip a few oil changes, but you might be wondering what might happen to your car's engine if you did. In short, it's not pretty.

One of the problems is that there will begin to be build-up in the cooler parts of the engine, like the crankcase and around the camshafts and valves.

You would get the carbon deposits, the sludge as you would call it, coming out of the old oil. To clean the engine would be relatively expensive because it would require taking parts off.

It can get to the point where it's so thick that it can't be pumped. You can start to wear out your piston rings. Once those begin to wear it's not easy and not inexpensive to fix that problem.

It can get worse. The pistons could eventually seize or the camshafts could be damaged. Getting a bill for either one of these repairs would make even a few high-quality oil changes look like pocket change. Regular oil changes are like "really cheap insurance" for your engine.

Buick's E-assist Fuel Efficient Technology

FUEL-EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY

Buick’s innovative eAssist Technology improves your vehicle’s fuel efficiency by adding a compact electric motor and state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery to a 2.4L four-cylinder ECOTEC engine, improving fuel economy by an estimated 25%. The 2012 LaCrosse and Regal are the first vehicles available with eAssist Technology.

Buick’s eAssist Technology is about improving fuel efficiency through innovations like:

• An automatic start/stop technology that shifts from gas to electric power and back seamlessly-conserving fuel. When you step off the brake, the engine restarts instantly-lag free.

• A process called regenerative braking, which transforms your vehicle’s forward momentum into energy when you slow or come to a stop.

• A state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery pack stored in the trunk, which uses the energy created via regenerative braking to power the radio, climate control, and other accessories whenever the engine operates in auto stop mode.

In fact, the 2012 LaCrosse gets better highway fuel economy than the Lexus HS and Infiniti M Hybrid.²

The 2012 Regal with eAssist Technology will offer better fuel economy than Acura TSX, Audi A4, and the Volkswagen CC.⁴

It’s the combination of simple ideas and innovative technology that helps Buick make 36 MPG HWY⁵ a reality on the road. That means you can enjoy more time driving and fewer stops at the pump.

The Power Flow Display in the center of your instrument cluster shows you what Buick eAssist Technology is doing to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency as it happens. See when your battery is charging, when your engine is in start/stop mode, or when the electric motor is giving you a boost.


Get instant feedback on how fuel efficiently you are driving with the ECO Gauge located under the speedometer in your vehicle’s instrument cluster. You can achieve maximum fuel economy by keeping the needle in the middle of the ECO gauge. Accelerate or brake too aggressively, and the needle moves to the right or left. Keep the needle in the middle as much as possible, and eAssist technology will do the rest.

About Warranty Forever at Becker Buick GMC

Frequently Asked Questions by Warranty Forever Customers:

Q: How do I make a claim if I have a breakdown?A: Contact the dealer where you purchased the vehicle. They will handle it all from there! If you have any questions that you would like to ask us directly, you may call 1-800-810-8458 and speak with a claims specialist. Q: When are the claims specialists available to take my call?A: Claim specialists are available Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday to answer all of your questions. Q: Is there a deductible that I need to pay when making a claim?A: There is no deductible on the program. All parts and labor are covered 100%. Q: How do I know what maintenance is required to keep my Warranty Forever contract in force?A: It is required that you maintain the vehicle with the selling dealer or a pre-authorized facility in accordance to the Manufacturer's Recommended Maintenance Schedule. To check to see the maintenance required for each particular make and model, please click here: Edmunds Recommended Maintenance. If you have any further questions, please contact a Claims Specialist at 1-800-810-8458. Q: How do I locate a dealer that offers a Warranty Forever Contract on a car I would like to purchase?
A: You can locate a dealer by emailing us at support@nwan.com or by calling 1-800-810-8458. Q: What if I am traveling out of town and need to have a maintenance service performed while I am traveling?A: Although you are required to perform every Manufacturer’s Recommended Maintenance with your selling dealer or a facility which has been preauthorized, you may call us at 1-800-810-8458 and PRE-AUTHORIZE any maintenance service to be performed while you are traveling or not at the selling dealer. If you need assistance with this you may also contact your selling dealer’s service department for details. Q: What if I am traveling out of town and have a breakdown that would be covered under my Warranty Forever Contract?A: Although you are required to have all repairs performed at your selling dealer, if you are over 150 miles or more away from your selling dealer, you may take your vehicle to any licensed repair facility to have your repair work completed. You may call us at 1-800-810-8458 for assistance or you may contact your selling dealer’s service department for details. Please remember - all out of state repair service must be preauthorized or the repairs performed by an outside dealer will not be accepted. Q: If my car breaks down and the breakdown is covered by the Warranty Forever Contract given to me by my selling dealer, am I required to pay for the repair and then wait to be reimbursed?A: No, all repairs are paid by National Warranty Administration Network (NWAN) by credit card. Please be sure that all repairs are authorized prior to the repair being completed. All unauthorized repairs will not be covered. Q: What if I need to be towed or need a rental car while my car is being repaired?A: Towing and rental car coverage is not provided by your Warranty Forever contract. However, if you purchased an extended service contract, your extended service contract will most likely provide that coverage for you.
Q: What is a licensed repair facility?A: Any repair facility or dealership that employs ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) technicians. ASE technicians are certified through a national non-profit organization to ensure the technicians competency in many areas of the automotive industry. Repair establishments with at least one ASE technician are permitted to display the ASE sign. Motorists should look for facilities that display the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence® logo.

Q: Is a facility ASE certified?
A: No, not exactly. As mentioned earlier, the technicians themselves obtain these certifications. The facility itself is not certified, however, businesses with a high level of commitment to ASE (75 percent of service personnel certified) are entitled to a special "Blue Seal of Excellence" recognition from ASE. You will sometimes see this logo displayed inside the facility waiting area.

Q: How do I know if an ASE certified technician will be the one working on my vehicle?
A: One of the advantages to taking your vehicle to a licensed repair facility is that if an ASE certified technician is not the individual working on your vehicle (say, for an oil change), they are still available to assist and oversee the work being performed. This ensures that the maintenance is being performed properly, and to the manufacturer’s recommended specification.

What is a powertrain warranty?

Here at Becker Buick GMC, nearly all of the vehicles we sell come with our exclusive Lifetime Powertrain Warranty Forever.  What is a powertrain warranty, you ask?

A powertrain warranty covers all or part of the powertrain of a vehicle, which is made up of the engine, transmission and drivetrain.  Essentially, the powertrain is the system that powers the car, and then transfers that power to the transmission, then finally to the wheels of the car.  When a mechanical problem occurs with a covered part of a powertrain, the manufacturer or warranty company may pay to have it repaired, if all requirements are met by the customer to uphold their warranty.

Buick Regal GS Turbo

We will be getting in another Buick Regal GS Turbo soon, we have had so many people interested in this car that we can't keep them on our showroom floor.  In the meantime, to tide you over, here is a great review & article that was in our very own hometown Spokesman Review newspaper.  Enjoy! 

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/auto/auto.asp?sid=3391